The epidemic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, more commonly referred to as STDs, has increased the danger of sexual activity in our day and age dramatically. Each time you choose to have sex with a different partner, you increase your risk of contracting a STD.

Bacterial STD's

An estimated 2.86 million new infections occur annually in the U.S. Chlamydia is most common among young people and is known as a ‘silent’ infection since most infected people have no symptoms. Because of this, it can go untreated which may damage a woman’s reproductive organs, lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or infertility. It is transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by an infected female to her baby during childbirth.

There are an estimated 55,400 new cases per year. It is transmitted from person to person by sores on the body and a pregnant woman can pass it to her unborn baby. Early symptoms include sores that appear on the body. If left untreated, syphilis can cause long term complications or death.

There are an estimated 820,000 new infections each year in the U.S. Caused by a bacterium, gonorrhea can affect the anus, eyes, mouth, genitals, or throat and is transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by an infected female to her baby during childbirth. There are often no symptoms in women and, if left untreated, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility in women.

An estimated 3.7 million people in the U.S. currently have this STD which is caused by a parasite. It is transmitted through vaginal sex. Some people may experience pain, swelling and/or discharge. If left untreated it may lead to an increased chance of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Viral STD's

One of the fastest growing STDs in the U.S., there are currently about 20 million people infected with HPV. There are more than 40 types of HPV that can infect the genital areas, as well as the mouth and throat. Over 90% of all cervical cancers are caused by the HPV infection. The CDC states that most sexually active men and women will get HPV at some point in their lives.

1 in 6 people in the U.S. have the Herpes virus and most don’t know it. Herpes can be transmitted by skin to skin contact alone, no fluids need to be exchanged. You can still contract Herpes even if your partner shows no signs of the infection. There is no cure for this disease.

More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. live with the HIV virus that leads to AIDS. Symptoms often go unnoticed and an estimated 15% of those living with the disease don’t even know they have it. HIV attacks the immune system and currently there is no cure.

The only guaranteed way to avoid infection with a STD is to practice sexual abstinence (abstaining from any sexual contact) while single. If you marry, remain faithful in a monogamous relationship to protect you and your spouse from an STD. All other methods of “protection” leave you at risk.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to any STD, please get tested. Your future depends on it.